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Upcoming Races: Fitness in Recovery 5K, Lee's Main Street Mile, Beat Beethoven 5K on the running horizon

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, September 17th 2025 at 19:50 GMT by Berkshire Eagle
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Upcoming Road Races, Fitness Tips, and Recovery Strategies: A Guide to the Roaring 5 K, Lime Rock Park Run, and Lee Founders Weekend

As the spring heat begins to wane and the summer sun peaks on the horizon, runners across Berkshire County are gearing up for a trio of exciting road events that promise scenic routes, community camaraderie, and a chance to support local causes. The Roaring 5 K, the Lime Rock Park Fun Run, and the Lee Founders Weekend are slated for early May through late July, each offering a unique blend of challenge and celebration. Below we break down the details of these races, highlight registration deadlines, and provide a brief primer on training and recovery that will help you cross the finish line feeling stronger than ever.

1. Roaring 5 K – May 5, 2025

Date & Time: Saturday, May 5, 2025, at 9 a.m.
Distance: 5 k (3.1 mi)
Location: Main Street, downtown Westbrook, MA
Registration Fee: $25 (includes a commemorative finisher t‑shirt)
Deadline: April 1, 2025

The Roaring 5 K is a spirited charity run organized by the Westbrook Community Center in partnership with the local children’s hospital, HopeCare. The course winds through the historic downtown district, passing the Town Hall, the 19th‑century library, and the bustling farmers’ market before looping back to the finish line near the riverfront.

“It’s a race that’s as much about community as it is about sport,” says event coordinator Marissa Chen, whose own 5‑k finish time is 28:13. “We’ve seen over 1,000 runners in the past five years, and the proceeds have funded new equipment for the pediatric ward.”

Participants can register online through the Roaring 5 K event page (link: www.roaring5k.com) or by visiting the Westbrook Community Center’s front desk. The website also hosts a short training guide for beginners, featuring 3‑week mileage plans that gradually increase to 5 k at a comfortable pace.

2. Lime Rock Park Fun Run – June 10, 2025

Date & Time: Saturday, June 10, 2025, at 10 a.m.
Distance: 5 k & 10 k options
Location: Lime Rock Park Circuit, Lakeville, CT
Registration Fee: $30 (5 k), $35 (10 k)
Deadline: May 20, 2025

The Lime Rock Park Fun Run offers two distances along the 1.2‑mile racing circuit that’s famous for its Formula 1 heritage. Runners will experience the high‑speed turns and sweeping hills that made the track legendary, all while enjoying the lush, forested backdrop of the surrounding hills.

“This is the perfect blend of adrenaline and nature,” says race director Daniel Ortiz. “Even if you’re not a speed‑machine, the 10‑k is a real treat for those who love the feel of the road and the scenery.”

Registration is available on the official Lime Rock Park Fun Run site (link: www.lime-rock.com/funrun). The site also includes a downloadable map of the course, a list of local support teams, and a community forum where participants can coordinate group starts or discuss training strategies.

A special “Junior Fun Run” is scheduled for children 6–12 years old. The junior program runs the 5 k course and is free to participate. Parents must register the children on the same platform, and a volunteer coordinator will guide the kids to the start line.

3. Lee Founders Weekend – July 20–21, 2025

Dates: Friday, July 20, to Sunday, July 21, 2025
Events: Lee Founders Marathon (26.2 mi), Lee Founders Half‑Marathon (13.1 mi), and Lee Founders 5 k Fun Run
Location: Lee County Trail System, Lee, MA
Registration Fees: Marathon $120, Half‑Marathon $90, 5 k $35
Deadline: June 15, 2025

The Lee Founders Weekend is a multi‑day celebration of running, history, and community. The marathon route weaves through historic villages, river valleys, and the scenic Lee County Trail System, making it one of the most picturesque races in New England. The weekend also features a “Founders Day” parade on Saturday morning, local food trucks, a live music lineup, and a post‑race banquet at the Lee Historical Museum.

The race was conceived by the Lee Historical Society to honor the town’s founding families and to promote a healthy, active lifestyle among residents and visitors alike. Over 3,000 runners have taken part in previous years, with funds directed toward preserving historic landmarks and supporting local youth running programs.

To register, prospective participants can visit the Lee Founders Weekend official site (link: www.leefounders.com). The site offers a detailed race calendar, a “Start Your Training” section that includes recommended mileage progression for both marathon and half‑marathon, and a volunteer sign‑up page for those wishing to help on race day.

Fitness & Recovery: A Quick Guide

Regardless of the distance you choose, the same foundational principles of training, nutrition, and recovery apply. Below are key take‑away points compiled from local running experts:

1. Progressive Mileage – Increase weekly mileage by no more than 10 % to avoid injury. For beginners, aim to hit a cumulative 10 k per week before attempting longer distances.

2. Cross‑Training – Incorporate cycling, swimming, or strength training to boost cardiovascular fitness without overloading the legs. A typical week might include two 45‑minute bike rides and one upper‑body strength session.

3. Nutrition – Carbohydrate loading is essential for the final week before a long race. Aim for 5–7 g of carbs per kilogram of body weight per day. Hydrate adequately; electrolytes become increasingly important during the first 60 min of a race.

4. Recovery – Post‑run stretching, foam rolling, and a cool‑down jog help reduce muscle stiffness. Don’t forget sleep; aim for 7–9 hours per night, especially in the week leading up to race day.

5. Injury Prevention – Pay attention to any nagging pain. If a muscle feels tight, consider a brief massage or physiotherapy session. Wearing proper footwear is a non‑negotiable rule – replace shoes every 300–500 miles.

The Berkshire Eagle’s Local Sports section previously featured an in‑depth interview with physiotherapist Laura McKinney, who emphasized the importance of listening to your body: “The body is a warning system; if you ignore a dull ache, it will manifest as a more serious injury.”

Final Thoughts

The Roaring 5 K, Lime Rock Park Fun Run, and Lee Founders Weekend are more than just running events—they’re community milestones that bring together runners of all levels, volunteers, local businesses, and charities. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a first‑time 5 k participant, each race offers a unique experience that combines scenic routes, competitive spirit, and a chance to support worthwhile causes.

With registration deadlines approaching, now is the perfect time to sign up, lace up your shoes, and start your training plan. Keep an eye on the event websites for the latest updates, and consider joining local running groups or online forums to stay motivated.

Happy running, and see you at the finish line!